Devin Durbin | Staff Reporter

It is finally here: the penultimate entry in “The Hunger Games” quartet of movies. At this point in a movie franchise, these films can make or break it. I predict that with this entry in they only have up to go.

“Mockingjay – Part 1” doesn’t let up or disappoint. The film may very well be a stronger representation of the nation of Panem than the first two “Hunger Games” movies and the book itself. The film gracefully captures the last ditch efforts of a civilization that has been kept sedated, abused and tortured for over 75 years.

The people of Panem look tired, broken, battered and bruised. It shows best in Josh Hutcherson’s portrayal of a weak and lethargic Peeta Mallark. His acting skills have increased with age and his ability to really dig deep into the terror, heartache and insanity that comes through in this film shows that his acting chops have only began being tested. Same as Jennifer Lawrence, who does not disapoint. With each movie, Katniss Everdeen becomes even more realized as a strong yet complicated character with a raw and visceral personality that can take on the Hunger Games and even become the face of a revolution that appeared as impossible in the first film.

There is not one point in the movie where it drags. Each moment seems to drive the story forward, or portray parts of character development that make later portions of the film make sense. Overall, when the final frame of the film hits, audiences will be on the edge of their seats, waiting to see where the “Part 2” goes.

Much like Katniss says in a pivotal scene, “Fire is catching. If we burn you burn with us,” The only fire that is burning is the desire to see the conclusion and the box office that more than likely will see another movie burning it up.